Does anyone know how to take apart the outside mirror, (1988 XJ40) mymirror is loose and I'm afraid it is going to fall out some day, I would liketo take apart the housing without breaking it?

 

the chrome backing just pulls off, but you`ll need to `help` it, with a flat screwdriver or something. be careful though, not to be to heavy handed, as its possible to break the clips, the chrome backing pushes onto.
when you remove the chrome, around its inner edge is a double-sided adhesive seal. if you can, try and keep this intact, but its not the end of the world if you don`t!

 

Does it come straight off the back or does it slide out the side?

 

once you pry the clips it will pop straight off